Meet your private guide Miyuki!
First, let me introduce myself.
I'm a bilingual licensed guide based in central Japan. After spending time in the UK and Tokyo, I returned to my home region a few years ago. I love discovering the hidden gems of Japan by exploring smaller cities and rural areas. I particularly enjoy learning about regional characteristics and local cultural traditions through connecting with the stories and legacies of people in the past, as well as those who are living in the present.
I can't wait to share the best of what I've discovered through welcoming you to the Uniquely Japan Tours!
Why the Uniquely Japan Tours?
The Uniquely Japan Tours offer a personalised tour experience that includes the following elements. Your tours will be designed, arranged, and hosted by me as your private guide, based on your interests and preferences.
places with great stories
Visit historically and culturally important places that may be less known but are worth-visiting, with great stories to discover.
experiences with experts
Interact with local experts specialised in a field of your choice such as crafts and cultural traditions.
Authentic japanese food
Enjoy authentic Japanese food at a local restaurant, which can be harder to access if you don't speak Japanese.
The Uniquely Japan Tours are conducted in central Japan.
This is not only because I'm based in the region and can offer a local perspective,
but mainly because I believe that the region holds many charms that international visitors often overlook and may find hard to discover on their own.
Central Japan is for you...
If you're interested in any of the following:
1. Less Visited, More Rural Japan
Appreciate the tranquil countryside scenery not commonly found in bustling cities and tourist hubs. Encounter fewer international visitors, making it easier for you to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.
2. Less Touristy, More Authentic Japan
Discover places frequented by locals, often not found in travel guidebooks. Experience the real local life, gaining insights you wouldn't obtain from visiting tourist cities alone.
3. Easy Access by Public Transport
Located in the heart of Japan, the central region is just a quick and easy ride away from cities on your itinerary, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kanazawa. You could easily visit here for a day trip!
4. Craftsmanship and Sustainable Living
Embrace a long history of craftmaking and local cultural traditions directly from artisans and specialists. Learn how they sustain natural resources and uphold traditional lifestyles.
5. Samurai History and Castles
The region is home to famous battlefields, original wooden-structured and other historically important castles, offering an unmissable opportunity to delve into Japan's samurai history.
Real Words from My Guests
Some of the main tourist places are so interesting, but they're also very crowded and there are just many tourists from all over the world, and that can sometimes make it feel less authentic at times.
We found that some of the smaller, less traveled places were every bit as special to see and then we were able to connect that much more with the local culture and people, which really added to the experience for us.
We also think that coming to a place that maybe isn't quite as visited is sometimes more affordable and can be more enjoyable just in that there's space and time that people are willing to give you for a chat.
Ben and Claire from Seattle
Here're some of the amazing cultural experiences we can offer in central Japan!
Click on the following pictures to find out what each of these experiences is about.
Sounds great!
What's the next step?
Let's create your Uniquely Japan Tour together!
1. Share interests
Share your interests in places and experiences, as well as your travel details, by answering a few questions from the button below.
2. discuss the details
Based on your submission, I'll suggest experiences to choose from, and we'll confirm the tour date and locations to visit.
3.design experience
Once your spot is secured, I'll design your tour experiences, arrange all the visits, and finalise the details, as we discuss your preferences.
4.create experience
I'll handle everything, so all you need to do is to show up on time with a curious mind and enjoy the experiences to the fullest.
What my amazing guests are saying!
Click on the following pictures and read their own words.
Fun Fact about Miyuki
Before becoming a licensed guide, I worked as a full-time journalist, followed by a corporate communicator supporting PR activities for major global companies. Throughout my career, I've focused on telling stories in the most effective, appealing, and easy-to-understand way. Keen to join me on a tour and discover the hidden gems of Japan together?
Got questions? I've got the answers!
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Q: I'm interested! What should I do now?Awesome! Please complete this form as the first step. I'll review and be in touch shortly with the next steps. If you are the right fit for the program, you'll be invited for a 1:1 introductory session where you can share with me about your travel goals and you will also have your questions answered.
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Q: Am I the right fit for this program?This program is for you if you are willing to learn about Japan before your trip and to try out authentic Japanese experiences loved by locals. This program is not a done-for-you service and your initiative is the key to successfully creating your travel itinerary and completing every step of the process. I will help you through the whole process from setting your travel priority to designing your trip and completing bookings and will also provide the input and resources you need along the journey.
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Q: How far in advance should I enrol in the program?Based on my previous experience of working with my clients, 8 weeks should give you sufficient time to have your travel itinerary ready from scratch and complete bookings. It's however advisable to enrol in the program at least 3-6 months before your trip. Popular accommodations and cultural activities will be booked out a few months in advance so I recommend having your itinerary ready in time for the reservation to open so that you won't miss anything you want.
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Q: What's the process of working together over the course of this program?You'll be first asked to answer 7 simple questions and I'll make the first draft of your personalised itinerary based on your answer. During the first consultation session, I'll walk you through all the options I suggest and brief you about pros and cons about each option. Over a 8 week period, you are encouraged to do your own research, make decisions and complete bookings. If you're facing any challenges in regards to planning and bookings, I'm only an email away and will give you input, resources and all other support you need so that you can move your travel planning journey faster and with ease. You'll also receive self-paced content from the Japan Travel Essentials course every week so that you can build Japan travel knowledge effectively and complete your travel planning journey successfully. During the second consultation session, I'll help you finalise your travel plan and solve all your concerns so that you will be ready to create amazing experiences in Japan. You will have the flexibility to work at your own pace and complete the program within 8 weeks.
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Q: Do I get to ask questions outside of consultation sessions?Of course! Private chat support will be available over a 8 week period between the two consultation sessions. I will get back to you within 48 hours except for the weekends and Japan's public holidays.
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Q: When are the consultation sessions held?I keep my Fridays free for consultation sessions, so the available time slots will be: Thursday evenings in North America, Friday mornings in Europe and the UK, and Friday daytimes and evenings in Australia and New Zealand. I can offer some Saturday time slots if you are in a European time zone and if you have work commitments on Fridays.
Real Words from My Guests
The highlight of our entire trip came when Miyuki took us to the workshop of a local artisan who practices yuzen kimono painting technique.
He showed us in his beautiful workshop how we could use the same technique and we were able to paint on a handkerchief and take that home. We loved it.
He was such a gracious man, so helpful and encouraging. He showed us all his kimonos. That was just a blast. I would recommend that to anyone!
Lorie from California
Which one is the choice for you?
Many other tours in the market
Less Flexible: Fixed itinerary and limited customization.
Limited to Tourist Spots: Visit places easily accessible by yourself.
Uncertain Service Level: Meeting assigned guides on the day whom you'll speak to for the first time, risking a subpar experience.
Local Focus: Guides comfortable only with specific areas.
One-way Information: Guides who may not encourage questions.
The Uniquely Japan Tours
Personalisation: Fully customisable private tours tailored to your preferences.
Experience-Focused: Explore off-the-beaten-path places and engage in interactions with locals, which can be harder to achieve on your own.
Guaranteed Experience: As your private guide, I'll lead the entire process of creating your personalised tour to ensure the best possible experience.
Licensed Guide: Extensive travel experience and knowledge of Japan, being able to offer advice for the rest of your trip.
Interactive: Engaging tours that prompt questions and curiosity.
